Comedienne ELLEN DeGENERES took on Queen Elizabeth II's royal duties in
honour of Patrick Stewart this morning (13MAY04) - when she decided to knight
him on her chat show.

DeGeneres mistakenly referred to the British actor as "Sir Patrick
Stewart" when she introduced him - but the X-MEN star was quick to correct
her.

He told the funnygirl, "I'm just ordinary mister. But thank you for
thinking of me. It might some ideas in some people's (heads)."

DeGeneres then whipped out a tiara from the numerous stage props she
stores beside her hosting seat and handed it to Stewart, who reluctantly wore
it as she placed a hand on each of his shoulders, mimicking the grand knighting
ceremony.

But bald Stewart quickly removed the headgear, complaining that it had
scratched his scalp.